Greetings from Korea:

This is my first ever blog and understandably I'm nervous.  My daughter (Hannah) continually reminds me on how "tech distressed" I am but I am so filled with awe at God's provision that I need to share what's happening over here.

Standing back and watching how God uses us to plant and cultivate while at the same time convict and challenge our walk with Him is humbling.  For the past 10 days, I've been blessed to see our team challenge others and be challenged in so many ways.  I'v been inspired as our students have made it a point to reach out to the other teams and the staff here a GVCS to build build bridges and relationships.  While not always reciprocated, they go out of their way to to engage everyone they encounter.  It reminds me of how Jesus made it a point to reach out many times to the unlovely and to engage with those that would mock and scoff Him.  Our team has a joyful spirit that is shared daily with everyone here - Prov. 15:30.

Switching gears, our last day of touring ended yesterday.  We spend the morning touring the DMZ (see photo below).  Our host took us to tunnel 3 (Tunnel of Aggression).  Discovered in 1975, these tunnels are more that 2 miles long under the DMZ connecting North Korea to South Korea. Each tunnel was designed to move a thousands of soldiers into South Korea in advance of a mass invasion.  So far the ROK has found four of these tunnels but there may be as more as 20 more.  Tunnel 4 was discovered in 1990.

We walked down the entrance to a depth of approximately 300 feet below the surface then walked another 300 feet to a steal and concrete reinforced door where we were able to peer into N. Korea.  What a dark and ominous place.

Driving back to the compound you are constantly reminded that the two Korea's are still at war.  Barbed wire fencing and observation posts line the river and bay separating the two countries.  It was rainy and dreary so I couldn't see the other side very clearly.  I can only imagine what life must be like there especially if you're a believer.  Again, I am so humbled by what God has privileged me with when you are reminded what our brothers and sisters in North Korea risk everyday.

After lunch, we were bussed from from the DMZ to the Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery outside Seoul.  This a place were many of Korea's first missionaries are buried. We were blessed to view an excellent presentation on how God brought the Gospel to Korea over a 100 years ago.   Korea's Christian heritage is built on the obedience and suffering of these men and women of God.

Thank you for your prayers.  We definitely feel your support...more than you can know.

Matt Crismon

Tunnel of Agression

The Team at the DMZ